What 35 years in dentistry taught Abdi Sameni about getting better

Thirty-five years into dentistry, Dr. Abdi Sameni isn’t thinking much about slowing down. He’s still asking what he can learn next, sitting down with Pam and Brian to discuss the future.

Sameni joins Drs. Pam Maragliano and Brian Nový for a wide-ranging conversation about what happens when dentists remain students of their profession. They explore why some of the most interesting dental education is happening outside the usual circles, how communities such as bioemulation connect clinicians around the world, and why mentorship can change the trajectory of a career.

But the conversation also gets clinical: Is biomimetic dentistry always the right answer? Are dentists intervening too late—or sometimes doing too much? Sameni makes the case for respecting the tooth at every stage of life, detecting disease before conventional treatment becomes necessary, and choosing treatment for the patient in front of you rather than following a clinical ideology.

Plus: why a Class II composite can still be worth traveling to learn, the surprisingly important problem of orthodontic retention, and what keeps dentistry interesting after decades in practice.

More episodes of Dentistry Unmasked:

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano, DMD

Pamela Maragliano, DMD

Chief Editor of Dental Economics

Pamela Maragliano, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected]. 

Brian B. Nový, DDS

Brian B. Nový, DDS

Brian B. Nový, DDS, is the chief dental officer of the Alliance Dental Center, Massachusetts Public Employees Fund. He served as president of the National CAMBRA Coalition and is currently the consumer representative to the United States Food & Drug Administration Dental Products Panel. His awards include the American Dental Association (ADA) Adult Preventive Care Practice of the Year, the Academy of General Dentistry Weclew Award, the Dugoni Award, and the ADA Evidence-Based Dentistry Practice Award. 

Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates